Aesthetics Exploration – Berlin Techno

 

If you have been on TikTok for the past couple of years chances are you may have seen the viral trend of people playing Berghain trainer, an online simulator where you answer a series of questions to determine whether you would get into Berlins exclusive techno nightclub Berghain. However, long before techno captured global attention online it has been the soundtrack of freedom and rebellion, the lifeblood of Berlins underground scene. Tracing all the way back to the fall of the berlin wall in 1989. Abandoned buildings near where the wall had once stood became a place where young people could take creative refuge and express themselves free from the cities past. Inspired by bands such as Kraftwerk and various African American Detroit producers and DJs a new subculture of music and fashion was born.

 

Techno music itself is best described as having short repetitive loops or rhythms, minimalist production and often feature long intros and outros. The songs themselves are also often twice or three times as long as the standard 2-3 minute mainstream songs we hear today. Techno although already a subgenre of electronic music has sub-subgenres such as industrial techno, minimal techno and Berlin techno. Berlin techno is known specifically for its gritty sound and intense beats. The genre also has evolved over the years. For example in the early 2000s Berlin techno would be more aligned with minimalist techno but as years passed it has evolved more into a darker style like the sound put out by the record label Ostgut Ton. Today it can be described as more groovy or even hypnotic. Honestly, it spans quite a range of subgenres depending on who you ask.

Today Berlin is the techno capital of the world. If you find yourself taking public transit in the city late at night or early in the morning you will see many individuals with acentric haircuts dressed in all black often sporting leather articles of clothing and accessories like chains, sunglasses and various silver jewelry. The Berlin techno aesthetic pipeline begins with artists such as Ellen Alien, Dr Motte, Charlotte de Witte to name a few but as you go deeper your fashion, lifestyle and even philosophy can be consumed by the many facets of this subculture.  

Berlins techno fashion influence as trickled upwards and can be seen on runway shows across the world. This aesthetic and subculture has become such a staple it has been recognized by Unesco and inscribed on the German national registry. New clubs and artists are consistently coming onto the scene as this aesthetic continues to grow more and more popular. Even with its growing popularity and the general gate-keeping culture of Berghain many emphasize the importance of remembering the origin of techno. The individuals who built the foundation of this genre and subculture as a diverse and accepting group of people who wanted to create spaces free of judgement. In almost all techno clubs in Berlin there is a strict no photo/video policy. At the door you will be given stickers to cover your phone camera with and are expected to respect the space. Something I personally wish more clubs would do in general. It also helps with experiencing the moment instead of trying to convey and image on social media.

 

Sources:

Informational Sources:

1. Author: Elena, May 2024: https://www.opodo.co.uk/blog/berlin-techno-culture/
2. Author: Lynn Brown, March 2024:https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240322-berlin-techno-scene-gains-unesco-status

Image Sources:

1. East Berlin youths, found via @davidpleonard on X, featured in :https://culted.com/rave-style-files-berlin-techno-fashion-style/
2. Berghain Nightclub:https://www.dontdiewondering.com/germany-most-iconic-nightclub/
3. Tresor:https://djmag.com/content/10-moments-defined-tresor
4. Everyday fashion inspired by techno aesthetic and subculture. https://kuldrop.com/the-influence-of-techno-on-berlins-fashion-trends/
5. Tresor club vault alternate angle:https://djmag.com/content/10-moments-defined-tresor
6. Balenciaga Spring 2024 collection:https://kuldrop.com/the-influence-of-techno-on-berlins-fashion-trends/
7. Cover Photo:https://djmag.com/longreads/tresor-30-evolution-berlin-techno-institution

 

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